Here’s a great article that speaks to me today:
How to Rescue Your Child from Self-Entitement
http://www.thecourage.com/how-to-rescue-your-child-from-self-entitlement/
Self-entitled child?
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Words of Peace
My husband returned home from church and handed me a bag overflowing with brightly colored “Get Well” cards. My Sunday school kids each had created a card uniquely decorated with bold markers, sparkly stickers, and encouraging words:
One child wrote in her card: “’Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.’ Jesus loves you with all his hart!”
Another wrote in his:
After reading each precious card, as I began tossing the envelopes in the recycle bin, large letters on one envelope caught my eye. No sparkly stickers or brightly colored markers— simply three capitalized words in faint pink crayon that grabbed my attention like a flashing billboard in Times Square:
“PEACE ON YOU.” Aren’t those words we all long to hear?
So often our world tells us: Shame on you! (“You don’t measure up. You’re not good enough.”)
Stress on you! (“You must be busy, busy! Push harder, faster! Fret and be anxious.”)
Bad on you! (“You blew it. You’re not keeping up! You failed again.”)
Or we tell ourselves: Should on you! (“I should have…”, “I shouldn’t have…”, “I should…”).
Yet, the words of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, come to us saying: PEACE ON YOU!
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14: 27) —Peace on you!
“Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) —Peace on you!
“Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39)
Today, receive God’s peace in exchange for any anxiety or negativity that comes your way. Rest and remain under the blessing of God’s peace on you.
A prayer for you today:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance (smile) upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (2 Thes. 3:16)
The Presence of Community
“We are not promised a pain-free life but are given the tools to survive: God and people… no suffering cannot be survived through the love of God and people…” (Jen Hatmaker, For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards, pgs. 115-116).
As I lay in my hospital bed, pain shot up and down my chest where, an hour earlier, the surgeon pulled the tube from one of holes in my lung wall. When I opened my eyes, the empathetic eyes of my friend, Julia, peered in my hospital room door.
“Are you up for a visitor?” she asked. No. But I couldn’t turn away this precious friend who’d left work early to visit me. She came to love on me. Though I’d been a friend to whom she looked for support and strength in times of trouble, the humility that weakness brings was tutoring me to receive from others… to let her care for me in my pain and weakness.
“Sure,” I mustered strength to respond.
During my hospital stay, family and friends brought gifts that cheered and comforted me: colorful flowers, Chinese Chicken Salad from Comforts (a popular restaurant), Be Green juice, treats from a gluten-free bakery, and more. Julia, arriving straight from work in San Francisco, came empty-handed but full-hearted. She sat with me in my time of trouble. She took a steaming cloth from my forehead raging with a headache, dipped it in ice water, wrung it out, and carefully laid it across my brows. When I grimaced in pain, she took my hand, held it in hers, and gently stroked it. She gave me the gift of her loving presence. And when my headache began to wane, she indulged with me in a slice of orange polenta cake slathered in ganache icing (and assured me it was alright to break my sugar-free diet while convalescing!). When my text alert buzzed, she realized I wasn’t up for reading and read to me the long message filled with words of encouragement. Julia, a friend for whom I’ve been praying to know the love of Jesus for almost 30 years, served as part of the loving community God sent me in my suffering.
Sometimes God shows up in unexpected ways to assure us He is with us in our pain… through friends nearby who sit with us, and those far-away who send chocolate-covered strawberries and Amazon gift packages; through bright purple tulips given by a neighbor who brings my daughter home from school for me; through cards, prayers, texts, and unexpected treats… Community reminds us that God knows, sees, and loves… that God has not forgotten us.
“People crave what they have always craved: to be known and loved, to belong somewhere. Community is such a basic human need. It helps us weather virtually every storm… According to Jesus, the love of God and people is the substance of life.” (Jen Hatmaker, ibid)
Today, how can you be “community” to someone needing a reminder that they are known and loved?
How can you show appreciation to someone in your community today?
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone–especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, NLT)
Presence in Pain
I moved gingerly, trying to adjust my position in bed without causing another bolt of shooting pain. This wasn’t part of my plan, not scheduled on my ICal, nor listed on my “Get healthier” goals for 2017…
My lung collapsed again. This time, the doctors were unanimous. To prevent recurrent collapsing, they would operate using an abrasive device to make my lung “stick” to the lung wall, and then staple it in place. Yet, during the surgery, a nerve was significantly impacted. Awaking from surgery, I felt not only throbbing in my chest, but also the sensation of daggers ripping down my arm.
After returning home and continuing to battle pain daily, on one particular day, a severe migraine and consequent vomiting confined me to bed and total darkness. I desperately cried out to God to ease the pain. Yet, each time I uttered, “Jesus,” a comfort greater than any pain-reliever came over me: God’s presence with me. I recalled lying in the hospital emergency room two weeks earlier as patients around me groaned in pain, moaned in agony, and one cried, “I’m dying!” Words from a song our children sung in church quieted my heart: “Even though I walk through the valley of death and dying, I will not fear, ‘cause You are with me. You’re always with me,” (from Psalm 23).
I discovered that even a hospital room or dark bedroom, when filled with God’s presence, becomes a sanctuary. In my state of utter weakness, of utter need, of utter dependency, unable to rely upon myself at all, I experienced a closeness with Jesus and the gift of His presence in a way I often miss during days of light and strength…
Words from the following song encourage me in times of darkness:
I Cannot See the Light, My Lord
I cannot see the light, my Lord;
I only feel the fear;
And yet I know that You are God
When nothing else is clear.
I have no strength to lift myself,
But Lord, I lift my need.
I spread before You all my fears.
Come take my hand and lead.
When all my joys have turned to pain
And hopes have fallen through,
I raise my eyes and fix my heart:
My only hope is You.
My God, my God, my hope, my joy,
You’re with me in this place!
So in Your presence, in Your peace,
I trust, rejoice, and wait.
*Ken Bible © 1993 by LNWhymns.com.
Today, I heard another song that reminds me of the blessings of pain…
Laura Story ends her song singing: “And what if trials of this life— the rain, the storms, and the hardest nights— are Your mercies in disguise…”
How might God’s mercy be coming to you in the midst of your current trial?
How can you thank God now for whatever you are facing?
“Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever,” (Psalm 73:26)
A Good Word
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
During CG’s visit to my new hospital room, she noticed the “patient information” whiteboard on the wall. While my husband and I talked, she ran to it and hunted for a dry erase marker.
Where the nurse had recorded: Date: 9/16 Friday, CG added, is Funday at the hospital!
Intrigued by the five faces (each depicting various pain levels) at the bottom of the board, CG asked, “Mommy, what is your pain level right now?” With each daily visit, she would ask about my pain level, then update the board circling the corresponding pain face.
One morning, after the doctor expressed frustration that my lung was continuing to collapse for no apparent reason, I noticed a message CG had left me on the board: “God is with you and loves you.” Her reminder brought me peace.
The following day, longing to wash my greasy hair and take a shower (after five days without one!), I looked up at my board and saw the words: “You are beautiful no matter what.”
Good words. Words of life. Words of encouragement. Words that made my heart glad.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for good words, words that bring hope, freedom, life. Help me recognize any opportunity to speak a good word to someone today.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
What words could you speak or write today to bless someone? To bring gladness, comfort, or peace to their heart?
Even if it feels a bit awkward, don’t wait to speak words of life to those around you whenever you have opportunity today.
Night Waking
Bind [God’s words and instructions] continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you (Proverbs 6:22).
2:30am. Pain awakens me. In my attempts to find a position to fall back asleep in my hospital bed, with each slight shift of my body, pain bolts up the back of my collapsed lung. The nurse responds to my call button, administers narcotics, and leaves. Waiting as still as possible in the dark for the meds to kick-in— not wanting to move, yet longing to find a bearable position in which to sleep— I recall Psalm 23.
The verses CG recently recited to me nightly as she memorized it for Sunday school now permeate my mind: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…” I imagine myself lying comfortably in soft green spongy grass by cool still water—being lovingly comforted by the Great Shepherd. And I begin to rest. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for Thou art with me…” Even in pain, even in darkness, even in a place I so do not want to be, Jesus is with me. Jesus meets me here.
A week later arriving home from the hospital, I open a card in the mail from a friend: “Found this little gem of a verse this morning, and I thought of you:
He tends his flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young, (Is 40:11).”
God was with me that night as I lay alone in pain. God is with me—and you. God knows my need—and yours. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that your words have power to comfort us in even our darkest nights. Help us bind your words continually on our hearts, meditating and memorizing them, that they will “guide us, watch over us and talk to us” (Prov. 6:22) as we go about our day and as we awaken at night.
For help memorizing Psalm 23, see Keith Green’s classic song. And for wonderful insight into Psalm 23 from a modern day shepherd, read the book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.
A precious birthday gift my girlfriend in Minnesota sent me just weeks before I unexpectedly ended up in the hospital…
Angels Unseen
“But faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Hebrews 11:1).
“Mommy,” CG held up her new book, “I read this many pages of Angels, Angels Everywhere!”
As she excitedly showed me the pages, she pointed to a colorful picture of angels watching over children as they jumped off a dock on a bright summer day. “Look, Mommy! They even watch when children play!”
“Yes, they watch over us wherever we are, just like God watches over us,” I replied.
“But I never see them,” she said with a tone revealing her longing to believe but lingering skepticism…
“Well, honey, that’s because they are spiritual beings. We live in a world that’s both physical and spiritual. The physical world is everything we can see and touch—your bed frame (I tapped on her iron headboard), your body (I tickled her knee), this nightstand… And the spiritual world is just as real, though we can’t see it with our physical eyes.”
As I wondered how I could help her understand, an image came to mind of her recent ballet performance in a large auditorium.
I asked, “Do you remember when you were dancing on stage?”
“Yeah.”
“Could you see the large audience?” (My husband and I had been surprised she wasn’t nervous dancing in front of a thousand people).
“No. Everything was dark except the people in the first row.”
“Well, the audience could see all the ballerinas on stage. Even though you couldn’t see us, we could see each step you danced.”
“But I didn’t see you.”
“Right, because the bright stage lights blinded your eyes to the audience. But Mommy and Daddy watched your every move. It’s like that in the spiritual world. Though our physical eyes are blind to the spiritual world doesn’t mean it does not exist. Just like we watched you on stage, God watches us even though we can’t see Him. Even unseen angels are in the audience.”
A little light turned on in her eyes… and in her heart. Maybe God was much more present than she had thought. Maybe angels were everywhere…
Prayer: God of heaven and earth, thank you that right now You are working behind the curtain in ways we can’t even imagine. Help us believe You hear our prayers and are moving, even when we have yet to see any sign. Help us, this day, to walk by faith and not by sight. Amen.
Have you been struggling to believe God is at work in the spiritual world even when you can’t yet see any sign of it? Begin now thanking God for what He’s doing that you cannot see.
“Now we see through a glass dimly, but then we shall see face to face…” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
First Day of School
“Be strong and courageous… only be strong and very courageous… ” (Joshua 1: 6-7).
CG came downstairs dressed in her new school uniform— a bit over-sized but still cute and crisp.
“Mommy, I’m a little nervous,” her soft voice revealed to me as I filled a lunchbox for her first day at a new school.
“Hon, it’s ok to feel nervous. Every child feels a bit nervous on their first day of school—even if they’ve been at that school for years.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Even I feel a bit nervous. There are many things new and different to me, too—what to pack in your backpack, drop off and pick up procedures, all the new parents and families… If we only do what’s comfortable and avoid that which makes us nervous, we miss exciting new opportunities to grow.”
I recalled arriving at a new college on the opposite side of the country for a semester exchange program. On my first day, determined to make the most of my experience, I committed to taking one risk— intentionally doing something that felt scary—everyday. Some of my favorite memories arose from that challenge: backpacking over the White Mountains of New Hampshire, flying over Boston at night in a Cessna with a friend in flight training, navigating swinging logs 30 feet above ground on a ropes course… Every day brought some new adventure. Every day, I felt fully alive.
Lately, I’m hanging out a bit too much in my comfort zone, staying a tad too safe in ‘mid-life,’ and neglecting to seize each day fully. Maybe it’s time to challenge myself again…
Today, I will take a risk. I will do something requiring courage—like ignoring the voices of perfectionism (and shame after a long lapse of writing) and press the “post” button!
Today I will say: “I am strong and courageous. I do whatever God puts on my heart, whatever I’m feeling nudged to do that brings life to myself and others, no matter how risky it feels.”
What risk ignites both excitement and fear within you? Those simultaneous feelings often indicate it’s a risk worth taking.
If you’ve been waiting until you feel more courageous to follow a prompting or desire, step out in boldness and claim God’s words to Joshua for yourself today: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9).
Being an Overcomer
“In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” (Romans 8:37).
While recuperating from surgery, I turned on the Olympics and watched my first ever Rubgy game— the final match between, Fiji (a nation which had never won an Olympic medal) and Great Britain (from which Rugby had originated). Within the first few minutes, Fiji scored a “touch” (goal) then proceeded to demolish GB, winning 43-7… and their first ever gold.
However, more amazing than the Fijians athletic ability and agility, was the spirit of their hearts. These players, many from poor villages with no running water or electricity, who held jobs such as garbage collectors and prison guards, humbly looked to God to be their source of strength and victory. Before the match, they prayed and sang, and whenever a player scored, he pointed heavenward and clasped hands in thanksgiving. Even the sportscaster commented in amazement: “These guys prayed before game, during game… Every time take a break, they are thanking God!”
After a riveting victory, several players dropped to their knees weeping with thanksgiving. The team then gathered in a circle, with sweaty faces lifted to the sky, tears rolling down their cheeks, and sang: We have overcome. We have overcome. By the blood of the Lamb, and the Word of the Lord, we have overcome.
Their hearts of faith and praise inspire me to pray with thanksgiving as I face the challenges I’m seeking to overcome.
They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).
What challenge do you face today? What step can you take toward being an overcomer?
Prayer: Lord, thank You that I am more than a conqueror through You, and that nothing is too difficult for You. Help me, this day, to step out in faith confidently looking to You for my victory. Amen.
Tip: check out the song, Overcomer, by Mandisa to help motivate you to face that challenge.
Accomplishment
Opening the Title 9 Athletic Wear catalog in my mailbox, I begin to daydream. Ahh… I picture myself riding along the ocean surf on a cool blue beach cruiser just like the care-free looking model wearing a sporty bright dress over her toned legs.
I flip through the pages for my three-minute reverie— the closest thing I have to that outdoor fit lifestyle for which I pine. Sure, I get out to hike, swim, and jog a bit when I can, but how I’d love to be like the model who’s darting for a volleyball at the beach, rather than the classroom door before the bell rings; loaded up with a backpack in the Sierras, instead of a platter of cupcakes to frost for the bake-sale; battling a challenging opponent on a tennis court, rather than my resistant daughter on the piano bench…
I turn the page of the Title 9 catalog to find a perky woman modeling the “Gidget Dress.” I see her two-line bio expecting it to be like the others, stating she’s not only an accomplished athlete, but also a successful professional. I read:
Cindy: Scariest thing? “Facing down a mountain lion.” Accomplishment? “Making dinner each night for my family.”
Making dinner each night for my family? Suddenly, I feel a little sportier. I like Cindy. (I then notice she has some wrinkles— I really like her.) She’s right: making dinner each night for one’s family is an accomplishment. A HUGE accomplishment.
I begin to breathe a little easier. If I place a healthy dinner on the table tonight— even if I don’t complete my ‘to do’ list, persuade my daughter to cheerfully practice piano, or work out my body other than walking my dog around the block—maybe I’m accomplished, too.
Feeding our families each day is no small accomplishment. Be encouraged. Some days, preparing a healthy dinner might be even more challenging than scaling Half Dome.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Cor. 10:31).
Prayer: Lord, thank you that when I do my work for you, it’s never in vain. Though it may not always be exhilarating, adventurous, immediately rewarding (or tone my legs), help me do all I do to Your glory. Amen.
What’s one of your favorite ‘go-to’ healthy dinner recipes?
whollymom 